The season is almost over, so what better time to think about the Player of the Year awards?
Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, while Manchester City won their second Women’s Super League title in club history.
We asked our football writers to make a case for who they think deserve the glory.
Kevin Garside, chief sports correspondent
Men’s Player of the Year: Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United’s outstanding contributor since his arrival in 2020, Fernandes has embroidered every season with his class. The difference this time is an improved squad responding to his orchestral prompts. A record 21 assists, can’t argue with that.
Women’s Player of the Year: Khadija Shaw
Shaw fills a Manchester City shirt with the same prolific presence as Erling Haaland, scoring 21 goals in 22 appearances. There are many reasons why City climbed the summit again for the first time in a decade, but arguably none are as significant as the fit and functioning Jamaican.
Daniel Storey, chief football writer
Men’s Player of the Year: David Raya
My Player of the Year, as described so eloquently here, is David Raya. If he were an attacking player I reckon that he would be heavy favourite because he has changed Arsenal matches like nobody else. So he deserves it.
Women’s Player of the Year: Khadija Shaw
In the WSL, Manchester City were so dominant that there is no other choice but “Bunny” Shaw. Top scorer, piss-taker and the one that got away, if City let her leave.
Pete Hall, north-west football correspondent
Player of the Year: Bruno Fernandes
Easiest decision I’ve made in my entire career. The Manchester United skipper has been playing a different sport to everyone else this season. Just look at the chances-created numbers, if you think that is hyperbolic in any way. Having carried this fallen giant for years, Fernandes somehow keeps getting even better. A great person off the pitch, too.
Women’s Player of the Year: Alessia Russo
Another stellar season for Alessia Russo, who contributes so much more than goals for Arsenal. A third successive season reaching double figures in front of goal, along with six WSL assists, is no accident for a player who has shown an ability to drag Arsenal through some difficult moments on her own this season.
Mark Douglas, northern football correspondent
Men’s Player of the Year: Antoine Semenyo
First the mitigation: Arsenal are the best team in the land but their story is one of collective brilliance. Bruno Fernandes? Forgive me but it’s easy to look good in a team with no European commitments that got knocked out of both Cups early.
It’s Semenyo for me – who not only won the FA Cup with the best goal in a final for many a year but also played a huge part in Bournemouth’s brilliant campaign. His conduct during the Man City transfer was exemplary, and he has made a massive difference at the Etihad.
Women’s Player of the Year: Khadija Shaw
Sorry to be predictable, but she’s got the goals and now the WSL medal to back it up. Manchester City’s dominance is in large part down to Shaw’s 21 goals, and no one can really touch her when it comes to influence.
City should move heaven and earth to keep her.
Read more
- Daniel Storey: Arsenal took your hate and won the title with it
- Tim Stillman: I met my wife through Arsenal – this title win means everything to us
Michael Hincks, sports writer
Men’s Player of the Year: Bruno Fernandes
I am willing to board the hype train because of how much Fernandes has carried Manchester United to the Champions League, whereas Declan Rice and Erling Haaland feel like obvious, but not entirely outstanding, picks from greater collective efforts. That makes this a backhanded compliment; an award to the one-man team that is Bruno United.
Women’s Player of the Year: Khadija Shaw
A third-straight Golden Boot has been followed by the first of what the Jamaican has craved since joining Manchester City in 2021, the Women’s Super League title. Few deserve it more than one of the world’s best strikers.
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